17-year-old gunman killed woman in line at Walmart ‘to incite fear,’ NC cops say

A woman was killed while standing in line at Walmart and investigators say a teenage gunman fired the shots “to incite fear” at the store, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.

Ezekiel Burden, 17, remains on the run after killing 42-year-old Brandy Nicole Olson, the sheriff’s office said in a Dec. 23 news release.

The shooting happened around 3:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at the Walmart on Fayetteville Road in Lumberton, about a 95-mile drive south from Raleigh.

“When officers arrived they found a female suffering from gunshot wound(s) at the Woodforest Bank, located inside the Super Walmart. Bystanders were attempting to provide life saving measures,” the sheriff’s office said.

“The shooters fled from the store and left the area. The female victim was transported to UNC Health Southeastern where she later succumbed to her injuries.”

Investigators say Burden and an accomplice “targeted two people they knew” at the store.

A motive has not been released.

Burden is wanted for first-degree murder, discharge of a firearm within enclosure to incite fear, and going armed to the terror of the people, the sheriff’s office said.

Brian Campbell, 18, of Lumberton is accused of being an accessory after the fact, officials said. He also remains at large.

“Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Ezekiel Burden or Brian Campbell is asked to call the Lumberton Police Department at 910-671-3845,” officials said.

This story was originally published December 24, 2024 at 7:49 AM with the headline "17-year-old gunman killed woman in line at Walmart ‘to incite fear,’ NC cops say."